Astronomy 121 is an introduction to the science of astronomy for non-science majors with an emphasis on the exploration of the Solar System. The past 50 years has seen an explosion in our understanding of the contents, formation and evolution of extra-Solar planetary systems and our Solar System in particular, mainly due to numerous NASA missions/probes (to numeroud of the planets and dwarf planets). The study of the characteristics of planets other than the Earth both inside and outside our Solar System has provided tremendous insight into the understanding of how our own planet (earth) works. The basic purpose of this course is to elucidate how science works, that is, to show how the interplay of empirical data and theory leads to an improved understanding of our world. The specific goals of this class are 1) to gain an understanding of basic science that underlies astronomy (the forum is the exploration of our Solar System), 2) to explore the properties of the objects that make up our Solar System, and 3) to achieve an understanding of how the evolution of other planets has an impact on how we make choices to manage our own environment. in addition, this course traces the history of our developing knowledge of the Solar System in order to explore how the scientific method works and how civilization has gained from the progress of science and technology. The interplay between technology (telescopes, robotic space probes) and knowledge gained about the Solar System is a key theme to the course.

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Instructor: James N. Imamura
Office: 457 Willamette Hall
e-mail: imamura@uoregon.edu

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Course: Astr 121: the solar system; Astr 121 is a science group satisfying course (<3)
Time: MWF, 15:00-15:50
Location: 100 Willamette Hall
Course CRN: 11429
Text: Essential Cosmic Perspective, 9th edition, Bennett, Donahue, Schneider & Voit
Office Hours: MW, 10:00-12:00 or by appointment

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Grading:

• Four exams; the fourth exam is not cumulative. Each exam is worth 40 points for 160 total exam points
• Five (5) homework exercises of which four (4) will be counted toward your grade. Each counted exercise/homework will be worth 10 points for 40 total homework/exercise points

  ===> 200 total points
  

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Test Schedule:

• Test 1, 15:00-15:50, Wednesday, October 12, 2022
• Test 2, 15:00-15;50, Friday, October 28, 2022
• Test 3, 15:00-15:50, Friday, November 18, 2022
• Test 4, Monday, December 5, 2022 at 14:45 (see UO final exam schedule)

Homework/in-class exercises

• Assignment 1, due: by the end of 2022/10/10 (observational and so dependent on weather)
• Assignment 2, due: by the end of 2022/12/5 (observational and so dependent on weather)
• Assignment 3, due: by the end of 2022/10/25
• Assignment 4, due: by the end of 2022/11/16
• Assignment 5, due: by the end of 2022/12/5

Late Homework assignments may earn credit if turned within 7 days after the due date or the end of Friday of the tenth week of class, whichever comes first. Maximum credit for late homework assignments decreases by 1 point for each day late.

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Date	Material	Reading	Notes
9/28	Introduction	Chapter 1: A Modern View of the Universe, Chapter 3.1 The Ancient Roots of Science	Topic 1
9/30-10/10	Naked Eye Astronomy	Chapter 2: Discovering the Universe for Yourself	Topic 2
10/10	The Development of Modern Astronomy	Chapter 3: The Science of Astronomy, Chapter 4: Making Sense of the Universe, 4.2-4.4	Topic 3
10/12	Test 1
10/14	The Development of Modern Astronomy	Chapter 3: The Science of Astronomy, Chapter 4: Making Sense of the Universe, 4.2-4.4	Topic 3
10/14-10/17	The Solar System	Chapter 6: Formation of the Solar System	Topic 4
10/19-10/24	Formation of the Solar System	Chapter 6: Formation of the Solar System	Topic 4a
10/24-10/26	Is the Solar System Unique?	Chapter 10: Other Planetary Systems: The New Science of Distant Worlds	Topic 4b
10/28	Test 2
10/31-11/2	The Terrestrial Planets	Chapter 7: Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds	Topic 5
11/2-11/9	The Interiors and Surfaces of the Terrestrial Planets	Chapter 7: Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds	Topic 5a, Topic 5b
11/14	Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets	Chapter 7: Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds	Topic 5c
11/16	Evolution of the Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets	Chapter 7: Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds	Topic 5d
11/18	Test 3
11/21-11/23,11/28	Current Views of Mars	Chapter 7: Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds	Topic 5e
11/28	The Jovian Planets	Chapter 8: Jovian Planet Systems	Topic 6
11/30,12/2	Jupiter and Saturn	Chapter 8: Jovian Planet Systems	Topic 6a
...	Uranus and Neptune	Chapter 8: Jovian Planet Systems	Topic 6b
...	Dwarf Planets, Asteroids, and Comets	Chapter 9: Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts	Topic 7
...	Search for Life in the Solar System	Chapter 19: Life in the Universe	Topic 8
12/5	Test 4: Dec 5, 2022, Monday @ 14:45

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University Policy Guidelines

Accessible Education

Please let me know within the first two weeks of the term if you need assistance to fully participate in the course. Participation includes access to lectures, web-based information, in-class activities, and exams. The Accessible Education Center (http://aec.uoregon.edu/) works with students to provide an instructor notification letter that outlines accommodations and adjustments to class design that will enable better access. You are encouraged to contact the Accessible Education Center in 360 Oregon Hall at 541-346-1155 or uoaec@uoregon.edu for assistance with access or disability-related questions or concerns.

Attendance when Ill or Symptomatic

Students who are ill or have symptoms should be held harmless in attendance policies.

• Students should not attend class if they are ill, have symptoms, and, or are quarantining. We do not want students attending class when they should not be because they fear their grade will be affected.
• Instructors should ensure that absent students have access to course content.

If a student's frequent absences and lack of availability for make-ups are jeopardizing their success in the course, instructors should communicate with those students as early as possible and recommend students work with advisor to consider their options. Instructors shall provide make-ups or alternatives to exams. In cases where students are missing only minor yet essential coursework at the end of the term, a grade of "Incomplete" may be used for make-ups that will take place after grades are due (see Incomplete Policy https://provost.uoregon.edu/grades-incompletes-policy).

Academic Misconduct

The University Student Conduct Code (available at conduct.uoregon.edu) defines academic misconduct. Students are prohibited from committing or attempting to commit any act that constitutes academic misconduct. By way of example, students should not give or receive (or attempt to give or receive) unauthorized help on assignments or examinations without express permission from the instructor. Students should properly acknowledge and document all sources of information (e.g. quotations, paraphrases, ideas) and use only the sources and resources authorized by the instructor. If there is any question about whether an act constitutes academic misconduct, it is the student's obligation to clarify the question with the instructor before committing or attempting to commit the act. Additional information about a common form of academic misconduct, plagiarism, is available at https://researchguides.uoregon.edu/citing-plagiarism.

Inclement Weather

It is generally expected that class will meet unless the University is officially closed for inclement weather. If it becomes necessary to cancel class while the University remains open, this will be announced on Canvas and by email. Updates on inclement weather and closure are also communicated in other ways described here: https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-hr/campus-notifications/inclement-weather/inclement-weather-immediate-updates

Academic Disruption due to Campus Emergency

In the event of a campus emergency that disrupts academic activities, course requirements, deadlines, and grading percentages are subject to change. Information about changes in this course will be communicated as soon as possible by email, and on Canvas. If we are not able to meet face-to-face, students should immediately log onto Canvas and read any announcements and/or access alternative assignments. Students are also encouraged to continue the readings and other assignments as outlined in this syllabus or subsequent syllabi.

In the event that the instructor of this course has to quarantine, this course may be taught online during that time.

Reporting Obligations

I am a [designated reporter/student-directed employee]. For information about my reporting obligations as an employee, please see Employee Reporting Obligations on the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance (OICRC) website. Students experiencing any form of prohibited discrimination or harassment, including sex or gender-based violence, may seek information and resources at safe.uoregon.edu, respect.uoregon.edu, or investigations.uoregon.edu or contact the non-confidential Title IX office/Office of Civil Rights Compliance (541-346-3123), or Dean of Students offices (541-346-3216), or call the 24-7 hotline 541-346-SAFE for help. I am also a mandatory reporter of child abuse. Please find more information at Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect.

Mental Health and Wellness

Life at college can be very complicated. Students often feel overwhelmed or stressed, experience anxiety or depression, struggle with relationships, or just need help navigating challenges in their life. If you're facing such challenges, you don't need to handle them on your own--there's help and support on campus.

University Health Services help students cope with difficult emotions and life stressors. If you need general resources on coping with stress or want to talk with another student who has been in the same place as you, visit the Duck Nest (located in the EMU on the ground floor) and get help from one of the specially trained Peer Wellness Advocates. Find out more at health.uoregon.edu/ducknest.

University Counseling Services (UCS) has a team of dedicated staff members to support you with your concerns, many of whom can provide identity-based support. All clinical services are free and confidential. Find out more at counseling.uoregon.edu or by calling 541-346-3227 (anytime UCS is closed, the After-Hours Support and Crisis Line is available by calling this same number.

Basic Needs

Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students Office (346-3216, 164 Oregon Hall) for support.

This UO webpage includes resources for food, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, technology, finances, and legal support: https://blogs.uoregon.edu/basicneeds/food/

Accommodation for Religious Observances

The University makes reasonable accommodations, upon request, for students who are unable to attend a class for religious obligations or observance reasons, in accordance with the university discrimination policy which says, "any student who because of religious beliefs, is unable to attend classes on a particular day shall be excused from attendance requirements and from any examination or other assignment on that day. The student shall make up the examination or other assignment missed because of the absence." To request accommodations for this course for religious observance, visit the Office of the Registrar's website (https://registrar.uoregon.edu/calendars/religious-observances) and complete and submit to the instructor the Religious Accommodation Request form prior to the end of the second week of the term.

Accommodation for University-Sponsored Events

University-sponsored events are considered verifiable, legitimate reasons for participating students to miss class. When students miss class for university-sponsored activities, faculty are stronly encouraged to make pedagogically sound and justifiable modifications that will enable the students to be successful in the course where possible. However this request has limits and conditions.

Students who participate in university-sponsored activities that might cause them to miss class are responsible for providing documentation signed by a university employee verifying their participation in the activity and listing the dates that they might miss class. This should be done during week one of the term.

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